The champions of Raw made it through Hell, but now what?

Rhea Ripley and Bobby Lashley both reign over Raw, but surviving Hell was just the beginning! Who will look to step up and cash-in a golden ticket?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Naomi & Asuka VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven; Naomi & Asuka win and qualify for the Women’s MITB Ladder match.
• Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Randy Orton VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Morrison wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross VS Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax; Bliss & Cross win and qualify for the Women’s MITB Ladder match.
• Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Drew McIntyre VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match.
• Hell in a Cell Match: Bobby Lashley VS Xavier Woods; Lashley wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Money in the Bank briefcases hang above the ring!

Tonight’s FIVE qualifying matches will bring us that much closer to the golden opportunity on the horizon! But first…

Raw presents the VIP Lounge!

Bobby Lashley leads the way as MVP and the ladies head to the ring. They’re all celebrating the All Mighty Era surviving Drew McIntyre and the HIAC match they had just last night. MVP says once again he and the champion are here, so big things poppin’, little things stoppin’. Sit back and enjoy the view, because this VIP Lounge is for the All Mighty, MVP, and the lovely ladies, not people like you. MVP lets Lashley speak on last night. Lashley says he and McIntyre went through hell, and McIntyre almost took him to his limits. But even McIntyre at his best is not enough to best the All Mighty!

MVP says Lashley beat McIntyre to within an inch of his life and he’ll never be the same again. But the important thing is that McIntyre can never challenge Lashley for this title ever again! MVP rubs it in by having a screenshot of Lashley raising his hand and McIntyre hanging his head in defeat. Right now in the ring are two alpha males, five lovely ladies and a full bottle of champagne. That makes for one hell of a party. Let’s raise a glass and toast Lashley’s victory. Here’s to the- New Day interrupting?! Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods wheel out a cart of toast! Well, MVP did say toast, just not literal toasted bread.

Kofi says no disrespect, they don’t want a problem. They wanted to be part of the toast. SO the circus is in town? Kofi and Woods throw the toast at the ring! MVP shields Lashley but the ladies have to cower behind the couch. Woods says they always come prepared. MVP says they just keep proving his point! This clown nonsense is why they were watching HIAC, not main eventing it like Lashley. They’re clowns who belong in the circus. Once there are live crowds again, these two will do stupid cosplay and play stupid video games while Lashley & MVP will enjoy the finer things in life. Now if the New Day doesn’t mind-

Actually, they do mind. The New Day ain’t going nowhere, bruh! It is well documented that Kofi surrounds himself with friends and family, those he trusts, as opposed to users. Those who chew you up, spit you out and leave you when the well goes dry. Let’s talk, Bob! Bob, you think MVP and your ladies will be around when Kofi beats him for the title? First off, no one is beating him for the title! And certainly not to Kofi! Kofi is too busy dancing and making pancakes to realize that he lost this! What Kofi has to realize is that there is a hierarchy, and in it, Lashley is at the top while the New Day is at the bottom.

Oh is that so? So much talk of this, Lashley’s forgotten that Kofi beat Daniel Bryan to win at WrestleMania! MVP remembers, cuz he was crying at the bar! And in this very ring right here, Kofi beat Lashley! Lashley wants to act like he doesn’t remember, so here is the footage. Last month, even with MVP and Woods ringside, Kofi rolled Lashley up to win! Now Lashley remembers, right? So to get to the point, Bob does not have an opponent set for MITB. Kofi is here to challenge him for the WWE Championship! MVP asks Kofi if he’s joking, but Lashley accepts!! If this is what Kofi wants, leaving out how McIntyre hit Lashley with a cane, this will happen in a way where nothing like that happens again.

MVP says not MITB, do it tonight! Lashley will take on Kofi’s “partner in clowning,” Woods! Woods says Lashley isn’t the first to talk down to him. They’re just the last in a long line of toxic, testosterone flaunting meatheads that don’t have the mental acuity to perceive a Renaissance man like Woods. Preach, bruh! Woods knows MVP and Lashley don’t see him or Kofi on the level of Big E- MVP says it’s cuz they’re not. Shut up, MVP! Woods is talking! Big E has become WWE Intercontinental Champion. Woods got to see Kofi win THE WWE World Championship.

Now, Woods may be set on a possible King of the Ring tournament crown, he gives some of his accolades: over 2 MILLION subscribers on YouTube’s UpUpDownDown, a host on the returning G4 network, and most importantly, an ELEVEN TIME WWE World Tag Team Champion! So please, and be quiet about it, underestimate him. That’ll make the whooping that much sweet. Woods accepts! But one more thing, the match tonight- MVP SHUT UP! The match needs to be… inside Hell in a Cell! The Cell is still in the rafters, so why not?! BECAAAAAAAUSE~! NEW! DAY ROCKS! Lashley ACCEPTS the challenge, too!! Will Woods shock the world inside the devil’s playground?!

Raw shares footage from earlier today.

As AJ Styles and Omos were arriving, they ran across the Viking Raiders. Styles says, “Look at these guys! Riding high over the last weeks!” After that big win, of course. But compared to the champs, they’re zeros. No, less than zeroes! They’re NOTHING. Well Erik & Ivar set out to raid and had a phenomenal victory. It was sloppy luck. If they want to see a real raid, just watch Styles beat Ricochet to a pulp to then become Mr. Money in the Bank! And after that, Styles will win the WWE Championship again! Then and only then will these two defend their titles against the “stinky barbarians.”

Well, Mr. Styles, these two stinky barbarians beat you once, and they can beat him again. Styles slaps Ivar’s turkey leg down! Erik has Ivar stay calm as Styles and Omos headed out.

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Ricochet!

One half of the phenomenal Raw Tag Team Champions is looking for his way to reach the top of the WWE again, and he’ll climb up a ladder to do it! But will the One and Only uses Styles as a springboard to the MITB match instead?

The bell rings and Styles kicks low to CHOP Ricochet and put him in a corner. Styles whips corner to corner, but Ricochet puts Styles on the apron. Ricochet ROCKS Styles then triangle jump dropkicks him down! Styles staggers up for Ricochet to slingshot. Styles moves, Ricochet aborts the plancha, but Styles also avoids the corner moonsault! Styles scoops Ricochet to POST him! Ricochet writhes and Styles gets back in the ring as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Styles bumps Ricochet off buckles. Styles keeps on Ricochet in the corner with a wristlock, then brings Ricochet around. Ricochet elbows and CHOPS Styles back, then whips. Styles reverses and CLOBBERS Ricochet with an elbow! Omos likes what he sees as Styles looms over Ricochet. Ricochet slowly sits up, Styles brings him around but Ricochet throws hands! Ricochet has Styles on the defensive, then runs, to KNEE SMASH! Styles staggers, Ricochet keeps moving and hits a FLYING FOREARM! Ricochet back suplexes, Styles lands on his feet and CLUBS Ricochet on the back! Styles whips but Ricochet springboards to CROSSBODY!

Ricochet fires up, runs corner to corner at Styles and corner clotheslines! Ricochet whips Styles corner to corner hard, then runs in for another clothesline! Ricochet reels Styles in for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through and BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives but Ricochet keeps his cool. Ricochet gets Styles up, fireman’s carries, but Styles fights free and clubs Ricochet. Ricochet kicks, Styles blocks, and Styles ducks the enziguri to give an enziguri! Styles gets Ricochet up to a torture rack for a LANDSLIDE! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Styles keeps his cool. Styles brings Ricochet up, reels him in and wants the Clash, only for Ricochet to slip out!

Ricochet fires off forearms, but Styles ducks the rolling elbow for the Phenomenal Blitz! Ricochet dodges the back hand to enziguri, and he dodges the Pele to DEAD LIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Omos gets worried and coaches Styles on. Styles gets to a corner, Ricochet runs in and clotheslines again! Ricochet hesitates after and Styles rolls him, CALF CRUSHER! Ricochet reaches and gets the ROPEBREAK! Styles lets go, Omos is stern again as Styles gets back up. Styles drags Ricochet back up, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Ricochet is in a daze and Styles goes to the apron. Styles prepares that elbow, but the Viking Raiders run out to go after Omos!!

Omos throws Erik, tosses Ivar, and Styles tells him to take those two out! Omos roars and runs in but the Raiders send Omos CRASHING into the timekeeper’s area! Styles ROCKS Ricochet, springboards, but into a RECOIL!!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)

A massive win for the King of Flight, and a defiant showing from the Viking Raiders! Is Ricochet about to rebound his entire career to the top of Raw? Will Styles & Omos look to make Erik & Ivar regret ever showing their faces tonight?

Matt Riddle finds Randy Orton.

Check it out, bro! More merch! And how great is it that they both have a chance to get into the Men’s MITB this year? If Riddle wins, he’s totally taking the briefcase everywhere they go so he can hide his stash in there. His what? His stash! Y’know, his Whoppers! He might get hungry. Plus he has an irrational fear of the Burger King King. He doesn’t trust that smile. Orton shouts at Riddle but calms down. “What do you want?” Riddle knows Orton has won and cashed in before, does he have any pointers? Y’know, bro to bro? Orton sighs and says, “Stay out of my way.”

Oh, well, that’ll be hard if they’re both going to win tonight. Imagine, two brothers fighting for the guaranteed WWE Championship title shot! Wouldn’t that be awesome?! Orton looks at Riddle’s goofy smile and says, “Not for you.” Riddle doesn’t smile as much anymore. Well, good luck, Randy! Will the MITB get in the way of RKBRO’s brolationship?

Backstage interview with Eva Marie and “her mysterious friend.”

Kevin Patrick asks if Eva could shed some light as to what happened last week. Eva is so glad Kyle asked. “You see, it’s been five years since I have stepped in the WWE ring, so everything had to be perfect.” Last week, Eva got a mani-peti and her nails look amazing. But then she caught a bit of a cold. Eva coughs to keep up the charade. She just knew the fans were “dying” to see her return, so instead of throwing in the towel, she arranged for her protégé to take her place. Introducing… What’s her name again? Pip- No no wait. Eva remembers now. It’s Doudrop! Yes! Now, the #EvaLution must be moving on. Doudrop, help her with her robe. “Doudrop” does as asked, but will this affect their teamwork?

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Naomi & Asuka VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven!

This could be two birds with one stone here for The Glow. She wants to get back at Eva for her bait ‘n’ switch, and she’s got back-up to do it! Will Naomi and Asuka both get one step closer to getting that golden ticket? Or will Eva and Pi- er, “Doudrop” keep their momentum going towards MITB?

Raw returns and Asuka starts against Eva with the bell, and they circle. But of course Eva tags out to Piper. Piper gets in, circles with Asuka now, and they tie up. Asuka wrenches but Piper shoves her away. Asuka catches Piper’s punch but Piper shoves her away. Asuka fires off fast hands, KICK, but Piper catches one to HEADBUTT! Piper whips, Asuka holds ropes, and elbows Piper away. Asuka BOOTS Piper, runs and clotheslines but Piper stays up to run her over! Eva applauds, and she’s not even on the corner! Piper runs in, Asuka dodges and fires off kicks! Piper shoves her away, Asuka hits a CODE BREAKER! Hot tag to Naomi, and Naomi wrenches to ROUNDHOUSE Piper!

Piper stays up, ducks a clothesline and waistlocks, but Naomi fights free with elbows. Naomi SCORTPION KICKS, but Piper blocks the whip! Piper whips Naomi to a corner and runs in to corner SPLASH! Piper runs in to CANNONBALL! Piper drags Naomi to a cover, Asuka breaks it! Asuka coaches Naomi and Piper scowls as she drags Naomi over. Piper stomps Naomi then climbs up. Now Eva tags in, and Piper has to get out. Eva covers, TWO! Naomi shocks Eva but this is what Eva gets. Piper isn’t so sure if she should tag back in. She DITCHES Eva?! Naomi rolls Eva up, Naomi & Asuka win!!

Winners: Asuka & Naomi, by pinfall (qualify for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match)

Eva is in shock! But she’s the only one. Naomi and Asuka are bringing the glow and the fight to MITB, will one of them get that money money money?

Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce talk backstage.

It’s hard to hear what they’re saying, but it seems they’re actually in agreement. They both head for gorilla, what will they have to say when we return?

Bobby Lashley is getting ready for tonight’s match.

MVP talks him up as he warms up, will he be ready for another HIAC match just 24 hours after the truly brutal battle he had with Drew McIntyre?

Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville are in the ring.

These two WWE officials feel the need to discuss a controversial moment during last night’s HIAC PPV. They ask Raw Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, to come to the ring. They wait, the music hits, and the Nightmare makes her way down. Rhea already has a mic and responds, “I was told that you were gonna summon me.” Pearce explains he and Sonya discussed this and agree that what Rhea did as champion was completely unacceptable. What are they talking about? Well, as we all saw, a title can only change hands following pinfall or submission. If someone is counted out or disqualified, someone loses but the title doesn’t change. Those rules were not mean to be abused but Rhea got herself disqualified on purpose.

Oh, so those rules apply only to Rhea and not Charlotte Flair? Rhea’s seen the Queen break those rules over and over and continue to do so. Rhea only did what Charlotte would’ve done if she was the champion. Well she isn’t, so- But speaking of, here comes Charlotte! “Not yet. Adam, you meant not yet.” And Rhea, Charlotte isn’t mad. She’s happy! Proud, even! Last night, Charlotte was kicking Rhea’s ass and finally, Rhea proved she’s smarter than Charlotte thought. Actually, she’s quite clever. That was the first time Charlotte saw Rhea is a “strategic competitor,” just like Charlotte. But Charlotte is still going to destroy her!

Sonya says if this is Charlotte asking for a rematch, then Sonya grants it. It will be Rhea VS Charlotte at MITB! Rhea is annoyed but she still smirks at Charlotte. Will this rematch from Hell (in a Cell) finally put this grudge away for good?

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have their photoshoot now.

Sarah apologizes for interrupting, but she wants to ask about Natalya & Tamina challenging Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke to step up their in-ring game and- And wait, the #SexyMuscleFriends are now the ones making noise in the ring! What a weird role reversal as Natty & Tamina ask them to stop. The champs were having an interview, y’know. Oh, just like how the champs were doing this when Mandy & Dana were having their photoshoot? Didn’t Natty & Tamina get on them for not focusing on what was important? Seems this week, #SMF are the ones putting in the work.

Natty points out that as champions, this is their obligation to do interviews and press. Something Mandy & Dana know little about. Oh well then let’s settle this! They can show the champs what they know! Was Natty winning not enough last night? Tamina says if they want a second serving, they can have it! The champs get in the ring but get kicked right back out! “How’s that for working smart?” Mandy and Dana head out, but will they learn why there’s no one meana than Tamina?

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Randy Orton VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!

The Viper already warned The Bro not to think it’ll be a good time at MITB, but this match might make it more apparent. Will Johnny Drip Drip dry up and be but an appetizer before the feast that is the 8 Man Ladder Match?

Raw returns and Morrison makes his entrance, wheeling Miz along with him. Can’t Miz wheel himself? His arms are still fine. Anyway, the bell rings, Miz joins commentary as Morrison circles with Orton. They tie up, Orton headlocks and grinds Morrison into a corner. Morrison turns things around, the ref counts, and Morrison lets off at 4. Miz brags about himself while putting Morrison over. Orton headlocks to hit a takeover on Morrison, Morrison rolls it to a cover, TWO! Morrison shifts to facelock and cranks back on the hold but Orton fights up. Morrison CLUBS him back down then floats around to shoot the half on Orton and throw in knees.

Morrison gets Orton up to throw more knees into the ribs, then ROUNDHOUSES! Miz is fired up way more than Morrison as he covers, TWO! Miz still likes what he sees as Morrison keeps Orton down with a top wristlock. Orton endures, even as Morrison digs a knee in. Orton fights up, Morrison wrenches and drags Orton back down. Morrison YANKS on the arm, wrenches again, but Orton pokes Morrison in the eyes! Orton throws Morrison down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Orton gets Morrison back up to whip to ropes. Morrison holds ropes but Orton clotheslines him out! Miz coaches Morrison, Morrison kicks Orton but Orton throws body shots!

Orton bumps Morrison’s head off the desk! Miz shouts at Orton but Orton glares at him before giving Morrison a BACK SUPLEX to the desk! Miz shouts at Orton, but then also reminds Orton that he is injured and therefore off limits! Orton lets Miz scoot himself away and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Orton EuroUppers Morrison in a corner. Morrison sits down, Orton drags him by his leg and stomps away on Morrison’s limbs. Orton has both legs then stomps Morrison in the gut! Orton scrapes laces off Morrison’s face then covers, TWO! Miz coaches Morrison from ringside rather than commentary as Orton grinds Morrison with a chinlock. Morrison throws body shots, fights up, but Orton CLUBS him down! Orton whips Morrison to ropes but Morrison kicks back! Morrison springboards, FLYING CHUCK! Orton staggers up, Morrison POSTS him! Orton flops out of the ring and Miz talks trash.

Morrison goes out and SLAMS Orton’s arm on the steel steps! Orton gets around the way and back in the ring but Morrison pursues. Morrison goes for a chinlock then for the bad arm! ARMBAR, but Orton clasps hands! Orton endures as Raw goes picture in picture to plug Fast & Furious 9 with John Cena. Orton fights up and makes a cover, TWO! Raw is single picture as Orton and Morrison fight for control. Morrison CLUBS the bad arm then WRINGS It out into the mat! Cover as Miz laughs triumphantly, TWO! Morrison stays on Orton’s arm with a wristlock but Orton grabs tights for leverage. Orton fights up, pulls Morrison’s hair but Morrison cranks the arm.

Morrison wants the Kimura but Orton throws body shots! They fight back and forth like this, Orton CLUBS Morrison but Morrison ROCKS Orton! Morrison whips him to a corner, but Orton comes back to CLOBBER Morrison! Orton gets Morrison up in a corner, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! And CHOPS again! Orton climbs up to rain down fists and Miz protests as the ref counts. Orton gets 10 punches before the ref counts 4. Morrison boots Orton away, but runs into the SPINNING POWERSLAM! Miz is shocked as Orton gets Morrison up and in the ropes! DRAPING DDT! But Orton isn’t done there, he starts hearing those voices in his head!

Miz panics as Morrison stirs and Orton coils up. Miz uses a shot from the Drip Stick to hit Orton! The ref reprimands Miz but it isn’t so much as to disqualify Morrison. But it is enough to piss Orton off! But Morrison rolls Orton up! TWO, and Orton ROCKS Morrison with the uppercut! Morrison is back by the ropes, but here comes Riddle and his scooter! Riddle chases Miz around the ring, and Orton is  not sure what to make of it. Orton goes after Morrison but Morrison HOTSHOTS him! STARSHIP PAIN!! Cover, Morrison wins?!?!

Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)

Uh oh, Bro. Riddle just cost Orton and now Johnny Drip Drip is making it rain! But will Miz be of any help when Morrison has to climb up and get the briefcase?

Backstage interview with Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler & Reginald.

Kevin Patrick asks if they’re concerned that what happened last night at HIAC will happen again. Nia says Reggie knows that that won’t happen again. Nia would never purposefully hurt him. Shayna asks Reggie if he’s scared. Shayna is scared of no one, and no one is going to stop this team from qualifying. But… There is something different about Alexa. They cannot deny that, but can they deny Twisted Lil’ Bliss and Nikki Cross their golden opportunity?

Congratulations to Titus O’Neil!

The Real Deal is a 2021 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award finalist!

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross VS Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax w/ Reginald!

This isn’t quite the #BlissCross reunion Nikki hoped for, but perhaps these former friends can coexist long enough to cash in a win. Will Alexa have fun her way on the way to MITB? Or will the Queen of Spades and Irresistible Force get back at her for using them against each other?

Raw returns and Nikki shows off her new look. Recently, something “sparked” inside of her, and after beating Charlotte Flair and Raw Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, she knows she can become Ms. MITB! The last few weeks, Nikki has worked on how to physically manifest that feeling inside, and she’s so excited to finally share it with us! She won’t be alone, either. No matter how far down you fall in life, we all share that positivity, that same spark, and the same spirit to win! So tonight, Nikki represents all of us, no matter our shortcomings. Her blue ‘n’ gold superhero suit embodies that! This is the spirit of the spark! Nikki does a Wonder Woman spin and heads to the ring!

Now Nia and Shayna make their entrance and things actually start feeling normal. The teams sort out and “The Spirit” Nikki starts with Shayna. Shayna can’t believe Nikki’s get-up but Nikki is fired up. They circle, tie up, and Shayna puts Nikki in the corner. She lets off to KICK Nikki’s leg. Shayna whips Nikki corner to corner but Nikki goes up and over and arm-drags Shayna to an armlock! Shayna gets up, gets around and uses a double wristlock takedown to a cover! ONE, but Shayna clamps onto Nikki’s ears. Nikki fires forearms, Shayna shoves her away but Nikki dodges. Nikki runs back in, is put on the apron but she ROCKS and shoulders into Shayna!

Nikki slingshots to an Oklahoma Roll! ONE, and Shayna gets an arm to drag Nikki to the corner. Nia tags in and she HEADBUTTS Nikki down! Nikki flounders to a corner, Nia runs in but Nikki dodges! Nia POSTS herself and falls out of the ring! Reggie checks on Nia but Alexa is watching. Alexa hypnotizes Reggie but Shayna snaps him out of it. Nia tells Reggie to focus and be careful. But then they all look up, and Nikki SUPER CROSSBODIES them all down! Nikki is fired up and Alexa smiles as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Nikki whips Shayna to the corner! Nikki fires up and corner SPLASHES! Tag to Alexa, Nikki BULLDOGS Shayna for Alexa to add Insult2Injury senton style! Cover, TWO! Alexa clamps onto Shayna’s face, Nia gets in but the ref stops her. This distracts the ref so Shayna can rake Alexa’s eyes! Shayna tags Nia in, Nia clamps onto Alexa and bumps her off buckles again and again! Nia whips Alexa to the corner, tags Shayna back in, and Nia holds Alexa up so Shayna can KNEE her down! Shayna scrapes Alexa’s face on the ropes! The ref counts, Shayna lets off to clamp on with a chinlock.

Shayna bends Alexa back but she endures. Nikki rallies up, as do the ThunderDome fans. Alexa fights up, Shayna shifts and rakes at the eyes again! Alexa keeps fighting up, getting angrier as she claws at the hold. Alexa pries fingers back and ROCKS Shayna with that throat chop! Alexa fires off more forearms then jumps on to just hammer away! Shayna puts Alexa on a corner, Alexa kicks at her, and then Alexa hops on for a SCREAMING CODE RED!! Alexa can’t hold the cover but she heads for the corner! Shayna crawls, too, hot tags to Nia and Nikki! Nikki dodges Nia, ducks and leaps, but into Nia’s arms! Nia pops Nikki up but Nikki slips off to ROCK, headbutt and dropkick!

Nia is in a corner, Nikki powers up but runs into a boot! Nia pushes Nikki to a corner, tag to Shayna, but Nikki gets away! Nia thinks Shayna was about to hit her but Shayna explains the obvious. Nia doesn’t believe it, and Nikki hits a BIG back suplex! Alexa stares at Reggie and has him hypnotized again! Nia realizes too late as Reggie raises his hand and SLAP- NO! Reggie just snaps out of it in time! Nia and Reggie hug it out, but Nikki WRECKS them with dropkicks! Nikki tilt-o-whirls to get Shayna down, for a La Magistrol! Cover, BlissCross wins?!?

Winners: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross, by pinfall (advance to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match)

The spirit of the spark, as well as the mind games from Twisted Lil’ Bliss, triumphs! But will things only get harder from here on out?

Pearce and Sonya talk with Drew McIntyre backstage.

Before he heads out there, they want him to know that they saw what MVP did and- No, he’s not here to make excuses or look back at the past. McIntyre is heading for the future, the MITB Ladder match. Sonya says he already went through Hell, he doesn’t have to do this. McIntyre does, actually. He went through a war last night and it didn’t feel good. But certainly they haven’t told Lashley that he shouldn’t be competing in the Cell again. This is what McIntyre does, regardless of how he feels. It is a lot worse in his head. They should know him better than this.

McIntyre lives his life, inspired by Winston Churchill’s words during World War II. “We will fight them on the land, we will fight them on the sea, we will fight them in the air. We will never surrender!” McIntyre never, ever surrenders! He’ll face and beat Riddle tonight. And McIntyre will keep going through Hell. Then if so, good luck to him. The Scottish Warrior is mad as Hell, will the battle scars simply be motivation to keep fighting?

Pearce and Sonya hurry to stop a confrontation backstage.

Cedric Alexander, Jeff Hardy, Sheamus, as well as Jinder Mahal and his proteges, Shanky and Veer, are all arguing. Pearce has them all calm down and explain what is going on. Mahal says he is most deserving so he will speak first. Mahal is a former WWE World Champion, why was he not considered for MITB? Hardy says good point, because he is also a former WWE World Champion. Alexander says this is the problem! “All these antiques talking about what they did in the past!” It is time for the WWE to invest in someone with their best years ahead of them. Hardy points out his wins over Alexander. Stop future tripping and focus more on the now.

Sonya has them stop arguing and gets their frustrations. That said, the decisions are final. Oh? Final, huh? Sheamus tells the officials not to listen to these “bleeding gobshites.” He is US Champion! He shouldn’t need to qualify, he should just be in! Well then his nose is good and he can defend the title? Uh, no, his nose is still killing him! It was smashed to bits! His beautiful looks are ruined! Sheamus goes to see the doc. But Mahal is supposed to accept that nobodies like Ricochet and Riddle, and even Johnny Drip Drip, were considered but not the Modern Day Maharaja? The fact Drew McIntyre has squandered his 9000th opportunity and gets back in is upsetting.

Oh but surely management has reasons, so “thanks” for the consideration. And in case something were to happen to someone already entered in, Mahal would appreciate being considered as an alternate. Alexander likes Mahal’s idea there. Will things get a bit out of hand as WWE prepares to head back on the road?

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Drew McIntyre VS Matt Riddle!

The Viper is already out of the picture, and the Bro will have hell to pay later on. But can he soften Orton’s anger by at least moving on for the both of them?

Raw returns as McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, Riddle and McIntyre circle, and they tie up. McIntyre powers Riddle to a corner but the ref gets them apart. McIntyre still smirks and Riddle grins as the two go again. McIntyre against puts Riddle on ropes and goes for a clinch, but Riddle climbs up the ropes. The ref counts, McIntyre lets off at 3, and the two go again. Riddle shoots for a leg, McIntyre blocks and gets Riddle down with a facelock. Riddle slips free and we have another reset. Riddle and McIntyre tie up, Riddle KICKS McIntyre on the back! McIntyre CLOBBERS Riddle for it! McIntyre stomps Riddle and CHOPS him in the corner!

McIntyre fires off, GLASGOW KISS headbutt! McIntyre stops because his back bothers him, but he gets Riddle up to TOSS Riddle across the ring! Cover, TWO! McIntyre snarls and winches but Riddle CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Riddle fires off forearms, McIntyre throws haymakers back! McIntyre has Riddle in the corner but the ref counts. McIntyre lets off, brings Riddle out and dead lift suplex TOSSES Riddle down! Cover, TWO! McIntyre winces again from the pain in his back but he pushes through. McIntyre gets up to bump Riddle off buckles, then CHOP him! Riddle is stinging now and shouts as the pain comes through.

McIntyre gets Riddle up but Riddle blocks the suplex and throws hands! Riddle fires off forearms, runs but McIntyre runs him over! Cover, TWO! Riddle is still in this and McIntyre’s back still hurts. McIntyre whips Riddle to a corner, runs in but misses. Riddle comes back but into a back elbow! McIntyre hops up, but Riddle YANKS him down! That landing does not help the back, and the BROTON only adds on! Riddle gets heated now as he pushes McIntyre and throws knees into ribs! Riddle gut wrench suplexes McIntyre, but holds on! Riddle gets McIntyre up for another gut wrench, only for McIntyre to counter, gut wrench BACKBREAKER!

Because of the bad back, McIntyre can’t go for the cover and Riddle gets to the ropes. McIntyre DECKS Riddle, goes out after him, but Riddle POSTS him! NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! The ring count is climbing, Riddle gets up and in while McIntyre grits his teeth, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and McIntyre has gotten back in the ring. Riddle has him for a chinlock, but McIntyre fights up and fights out. McIntyre CHOPS and CHOPS and scoops, but Riddle throws shots to the back! Riddle shoves McIntyre to a corner, and forearm smashes! Riddle goes side to side to forearm smash again! BROSPLODER! Riddle paces, McIntyre sits up, PENALTY KICK to the back! Riddle aims and drops a BROTON onto knees! McIntyre saves himself just in time! McIntyre and Riddle both slowly rise, Riddle runs into McIntyre’s OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre clinches to again OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And then he hits a NECKBREAKER!

McIntyre kips up and fires up despite the pain! McIntyre hobbles over and drags Riddle up. Riddle fights the underhooks and trips to a jackknife cover! TWO, McIntyre LARIATS Riddle down! Cover, TWO!! Riddle barely survives and McIntyre’s growing frustrated. McIntyre gets up, brings Riddle back up and bumps him off buckles. McIntyre turns Riddle around, has the legs, INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Riddle isn’t done yet! McIntyre gets up and Riddle gets to a corner. McIntyre hobbles over, CHOPS Riddle on the back, then hoists him up top backwards. McIntyre CLUBS Riddle, climbs up behind him, and goes to the very top!

But Riddle fights back with headlock punches! McIntyre adjusts, Riddle throws back elbows and McIntyre falls onto the top rope! Riddle shifts around, throws more elbows and McIntyre falls back! But McIntyre sits up for the SPIDER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Riddle and McIntyre are both down, what more do these two have? Wait, here comes Orton! The Viper is watching Riddle closely now, and Riddle is encouraged to keep going! McIntyre sees that as a problem, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns yet again, McIntyre and Riddle are back on the top rope, and McIntyre fires off haymakers and headbutts on The Bro! Orton still watches, McIntyre CLUBS Riddle on the back then fireman’s carries! McIntyre gets Riddle around but Riddle fights the Air Raid off to SUPER POWERBOMB! Riddle rolls McIntyre to FINAL FLASH!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Orton doesn’t look pleased. Riddle grits his teeth, drags McIntyre up in a waistlock and ripcords, but McIntyre breaks free to spin Riddle. McIntyre blocks the Pele to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives again and McIntyre is back to being frustrated.

McIntyre and Riddle slowly stir again and Riddle can’t find McIntyre. McIntyre gets to a corner, Riddle turns around to see him, and Riddle hurries over as McIntyre slowly climbs. Riddle stands and catches the ax handle to a TRIANGLE!! McIntyre fights up fast, Riddle twists and keeps his shoulders up! McIntyre dead lifts but the back is holding him back! Riddle lands on his feet, gets around, backslide! TWO, FUTURE SHOCK DDT!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Riddle barely gets that bridge, but McIntyre is too sore to show any anger. McIntyre just gets to a corner and aims at Riddle. Riddle rises but flops back down, and McIntyre is at his wits end.

McIntyre gets Riddle up but Riddle scoops him! Riddle gets McIntyre around but McIntyre slips out to gut wrench! Riddle slips off to ripcord FINAL FLASH!! McIntyre is dazed but Riddle BUZZSAWS him down! Riddle puts McIntyre in the drop zone, climbs up top, FLOATING- NO! McIntyre moves! Riddle lands on his feet out of the jump, CLAY- NO!?! Riddle turns the kick into a takedown, for the BROMISSION!!! McIntyre flails, pulls on an arm, sits up and gets to his feet! McIntyre powers out of the hold, arm-drags Riddle, FINAL FLASH!! Riddle leaps, into a GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre ducks a roundhouse to Electric Chair, but Riddle makes it a victory roll! Riddle wins!!!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)

Even the Bro is shocked! Riddle scoots back up the ring in hopes Orton has forgiven him. Orton sees Riddle’s smile, and Riddle offers a fist bump. C’mon, Orton, do it for RKBRO. Riddle asks Orton what’s wrong, and says he can talk to him about it. Riddle is here for his bro. Orton takes a moment before looking at Riddle. No fist bump but at least Orton didn’t leave Riddle behind. Will Orton learn to be more supportive when Riddle is going for the briefcase?

As for McIntyre, he is just as dejected as he was when he lost last night. If he can’t get back with the MITB briefcase, how will McIntyre return to the top of the mountain?

Jaxson Ryker slaps himself with a leather strap.

Mansoor comes along and apologizes for bothering him. He was going to ask for advice but then he saw him… Uh, what exactly is this he’s doing? Ryker’s icy stare is an answer in itself. But before Mansoor goes, Ryker tells him, “Never let your enemy escape.” Huh? He wanted advice, so there it is. More often than not, those closest to you are wolves in sheep’s clothing. So when you realize who the enemy is, don’t let them escape. That’s why next week, Ryker is taking Elias on… in a STRAP MATCH! When they’re bound together, there will be nowhere for Elias to run, nowhere for Elias to hide.

Ryker says his eyes were opened by the music. But the tune heard around the world will be the sound of this strap smacking Elias’ flesh. Makes sense to Mansoor! Thanks. But then Mustafa Ali is right there, too. Ali says Mansoor is still looking for answers by asking all the wrong questions, and asking all the wrong people! The real question is, “How did all the superstars competing in the MITB qualifying matches steal that spot from you and me?!” He wants advice so Ali will give him something: If Mansoor can’t even get an opportunity to climb the ladder of success, then he has to build his own ladder.

Ryker is still slapping himself with the strap and that stops Ali’s train of thought. Will the strap be what keeps Elias from walking away?

BREAKING NEWS!

There will be a chance at redemption for three of tonight’s MITB qualifier losers! Randy Orton, AJ Styles AND Drew McIntyre will be in a #LastChanceTripleThreat! Will the Viper, the Phenomenal or the Scottish Warrior make the most of this merciful opportunity?

Hell in a Cell Match: Bobby Lashley VS Xavier Woods!

The All Mighty already survived Hell once and kept the title. This won’t be for the gold, but Woods doesn’t mind if it is about putting Lashley in his place! Will the Power of Positivity see Woods through his own return to the sinister structure? Or is Lashley becoming a Rocky Mountain juggernaut that no one can stop?

Raw returns and Lashley makes his entrance. The ladies stay in the back because this might get a bit rough. The door is locked shut, MVP talks trash with Kofi, and the bell rings on the Cell’s return to Raw! Woods SHOTGUNS Lashley to a corner! Woods KICKS away on Lashley’s leg, but Lashley throws Woods to a corner! Lashley stomps and clubs and chokes Woods! Lashley RAMS into Woods over and over, turns Woods and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Lashley snarls and gets Woods up but Woods sunset flips! TWO, and Lashley CLOBBERS Woods! Woods writhes but Lashley drags him back up for a COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley gets Woods up again for another COMPLETE SHOT!

MVP says this is what Woods gets, and Lashley gets Woods up for a LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Woods isn’t done so easily and Kofi taunts Lashley, “Is that all you got, Bob?” Lashley throws woods out of the ring but Kofi coaches Woods up. Lashley goes out after Woods, but Woods has a chair! Lashley blocks the chair shot, throws the chair back at Woods, then punches the chair into Woods’ face! Lashley puts Woods in the ring, MVP is fired up for him and Lashley runs corner to corner, but Woods moves! Lashley POSTS himself and Kofi fires up now! Woods runs to WRECK Lashley with a dropkick! Lashley hits steel and Woods keeps moving! ANOTHER dropkick!

Kofi says that’s two, Woods has a chair to SMACK Lashley and send him flying into steel! Lashley is down, Woods goes out and SMACKS him on the back! And again! And again! Kofi is loving this but MVP is not as Woods stands on Lashley’s head and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once more and Lashley chokes Woods in the ropes! Also, there’s a table in a corner. Woods can only endure as there are no holds barred here! Lashley fires off haymakers, Woods pushes him away but Lashley throws more hands! Lashley runs but Woods dumps him out of the ring! Woods runs, slides, but Lashley traps him in the apron skirt! Lashley mugs Woods and Woods can’t even see! Lashley smothers Woods with the skirt but Kofi says if the All Mighty is might, he doesn’t need to do it this way. MVP says whooping Woods’ behind is exactly how he has to do it. This is for the disrespect!

Lashley kick’s Woods, Woods throws body shots, and Lashley KNEES Woods low. Lashley whips Woods right into steel! Woods flounders around the way, grabs a kendo stick, but Lashley snatches it from him. Lashley puts Woods in the ring and stands on his head! Again, Woods can only endure! Lashley digs his heel in, lets off, and Kofi coaches Woods. Lashley smirks at Kofi while MVP talks more trash to Kofi. Lashley stands Woods up to fire off elbows and forearms. Woods tries a roll-up, but Lashley holds ropes to stay up! Lashley stomps Woods down, drags him up, and MVP says to treat Woods as the court jester he is. Lashley whips, Woods ducks and dodges and slides to CHOP BLOCK a leg out!

Woods dropkicks Lashley down! Lashley flounders, Woods gets that kendo stick back! Woods SMACKS Lashley on the back! Lashley bails out but Woods pursues to FALLING KENDO SLASH! Woods digs the stick into Lashley’s neck! Kofi tells Woods to keep going and Woods SMACKS Lashley down again! MVP tells Lashley that Woods is a clown, but the clown is choking Lashley with the kendo stick against the apron! Lashley gets in the ring, Woods pursues again, but Lashley blocks the strike! So he gets a ROLLING ELBOW! And a mule kick! Woods runs to wheelbarrow, and victory roll FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!

Lashley flounders, the bandage on his arm is falling away, and he gets to a corner. Woods runs in but Lashley puts him on the apron. Woods GAMANGIRIS, then steps in, GET OVER HERE!! Tornado DDT hits and Woods covers, TWO!! Kofi says Woods is right there, he can do this! Lashley slowly gets up and Woods repositions the table. Woods has it standing up on its own, but Lashley kicks him! Lashley gets Woods up, but Woods fights free! SUPERKICK! Lashley staggers, SUPERKICK puts him on the table! Woods gets to the apron, climbs up a corner, and tightrope walks for the LIMITBREAKER ELBOW through the table!!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Lashley survives and Woods can’t believe it! Kofi keeps the energy up for both of them as Woods rises back up. Lashley flounders, Woods aims, but Lashley ducks the shining wizard! Lashley RAMS Woods into a chair! There was a chair wedged into the corner, much like last night, and Woods just ate it for dinner! Lashley aims from a corner now, Woods staggers up into the SPEAR!!! But Lashley won’t end it there, he puts on the HURT LOCK!! Woods taps, Lashley wins!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission

The All Mighty puts Woods away, and he didn’t even need help this time. But he isn’t done, either! Lashley throws Woods into steel again and again! The ref opens the Cell door, but MVP slips in and snatches the key! MVP locks the Cell up again!! Woods is alone against Lashley and MVP taunts Kofi! Kofi tries to get in but the gap is not enough! Lashley has Woods in the HURT LOCK!! Woods fades out and Lashley makes Kofi watch!! Kofi demands they let Woods go but MVP mocks Kofi for having such fire earlier. MVP says it’s all over now, but is this only going to make Kofi that much more determined to dethrone Lashley?

My Thoughts:

Wow, what a great Raw! And to think they could’ve been giving us this the entire time if they really tried. Though it wasn’t without some decisions and details that still boggled the mind. I get Rhea’s disqualification was their way of giving us Rhea VS Charlotte again at MITB, but what was that promo supposed to be? Are the new authority figures agreeing that they should kiss up to Charlotte and let her get what she wants? That’s lame. It was way more fun when Sonya and Pearce argued about stuff. The heat is dying down on this one after all the great work they did just last week and that’s a real shame. I’m almost hoping Charlotte is again the victim of a same-night cash-in from Ms. MITB.

Speaking of which, everything with the MITB qualifiers was great. Though this also brings in the other odd detail of the night. I like that Nikki wants to represent that energy and excitement she feels after her little win streak, but going superhero was an odd choice. She and Alexa had a great match with Shayna and Nia, and they made the supernatural puppetry work here. I think Nia was paranoid that Shayna almost smacking her was because of Alexa, but it was the genuine close call from Nikki dodging. Nikki getting into MITB is great, but I feel like this superhero costume is just more of an indication that she is going to become Lily’s host body.

I love what they did with Piper and Eva. The internet got word of “Doudrop” being Piper’s name here, but that’s because Eva didn’t care enough to learn Piper’s real name. I was hoping they were going to pace it out to take a little longer than this, and we’d get this euphoric moment where Piper finally told Eva off. This supports my theory that Vince’s main problem with his booking is his pacing, but at least he made the right decision to have Piper stay Piper and let Eva get what she deserves. I wonder if Asuka getting into the MITB match again is a way to give us the Ms. MITB run she would’ve had if not for Becky Lynch’s pregnancy changing plans.

The stories of the Men’s MITB matches were all very well done, too. Styles talks trash to Viking Raiders but that comes to bite him in the butt when they go after Omos, and then Ricochet wins to perhaps give himself a chance at finally getting some ground in the power rankings. Orton VS Morrison was a great match, and I was laughing so hard seeing Riddle chase Miz around the ring like that. A bit of a shame it costs Orton, but much like Ricochet, Morrison is perhaps finally getting where he should’ve been. Though I feel like there’d just be a lot of the same stuff from Miz’s run last year, but with Morrison now as the one exploiting loopholes or something.

Orton going ringside for the Riddle VS McIntyre match was great, it shows he still wants to be in the team. The match itself was an epic. So much story just on McIntyre having just done a HIAC match last night, and Riddle is always great in the ring. That was definitely on par with anything we saw the last couple of days, and Riddle getting in is great for him. A bit shocked there is a Last Chance Triple Threat rather than another original match-up. The other superstars protesting that backstage was a good detail, but I really hope Raw isn’t trying to get meta about itself again. We’ve seen the authority “apologize” and try to make it up to both fans and superstars and then not follow through, because duh, it’s happening here.

Another great detail was Sheamus being put on the spot about finally defending his title. I hope Sheamus gets to settle things with Humberto Carrillo, Raw can’t just drop that. Mahal also pointing out if an entrant goes down, someone can step up. Whether or not McIntyre wins that Triple Threat next week, I want to see Mahal go after McIntyre. That would make a great feud to keep McIntyre busy on the outside of a title scene, and who knows? Maybe McIntyre chooses his future is completing his WWE Grand Slam with the US Championship. I think live crowds would love to see McIntyre and Sheamus battle it out as hard as they did during the ThunderDome era.

Then everything with Lashley and the New Day was great. Of course Lashley wants to celebrate, but of course Kofi wants to get at him both because he has that win over him and because of MVP poking at him. That opening segment was great, and having HIAC on Raw for that main event was great. Also it was to appease the USA Network overlords but whatever, Raw made it work. Woods looked amazing, definitely worthy of being the next King of the Ring, but naturally Lashley was going to win. MVP trapping Woods with Lashley was a great detail, that is some Heel heat right there. Great visual to close, and Kofi is going to be fired up for MITB.

I don’t know the chances of Lashley losing so soon after barring McIntyre from the contender’s list, but we’re talking the first time since WrestleMania 37 weekend that live fans get to be in the audience. Fans would go nuts if KofiMania 2 happened at MITB. I know SummerSlam is coming up fast in August and it’s in Vegas and it has Cardi B for that mainstream pander- I mean, appeal. But c’mon! WWE needs to help the wrestling fans want to watch again because it is still World Wrestling Entertainment! Kofi winning “outta nowhere” would be so good for everything! The post MITB Raw, the Mondays going towards SummerSlam, and maybe even SummerSlam itself.

My Score: 8.5/10